We think more about what we eat, where our products come from, and how they are made. But what about the clothes we wear every day?
Clothing is something we spend a lot of time in. It sits against our skin while we sleep, work, move and rest. Yet the material is often one of the last things we look at when buying something new.
That may be starting to change.
More consumers are becoming curious about what their clothes are actually made from, where those materials come from, and what their choices might mean. Not because we all need to become experts in textile production, but because we are becoming more aware of what we surround ourselves with.
Natural materials
Natural fibres come from nature. Cotton, linen, wool and silk are some of the most familiar examples.
Each fibre has its own characteristics. Cotton is soft and breathable, linen is lightweight and durable, and wool can naturally help regulate temperature.
What we find interesting about natural materials is that many of their qualities come from the fibre itself. They have been used in clothing for generations, long before modern textile technology.
But natural does not automatically mean sustainable.
It depends on how a fibre is grown or produced, how much water and energy are used, how it is processed, and what happens to it at the end of its life.
That is why we think it is worth looking beyond the word "natural".
Synthetic materials
Synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon and elastane are man-made materials, often produced from fossil-based resources.
They have many qualities that make them particularly useful in modern clothing. They can be lightweight, durable, stretchy and quick-drying, which is one reason they have become such a big part of sportswear and activewear.
But they also come with different considerations.
Synthetic textiles can release microfibres during washing and use, and many synthetic materials are not readily biodegradable. It is also not always easy to know what happens to a synthetic garment once it can no longer be worn.
That does not mean synthetic materials are always the wrong choice.
But it does mean there is reason to be more curious about them.
We are starting to read the material label
Perhaps that is what is beginning to change.
We are used to reading ingredient lists on our food and checking what is inside our skincare. Now, more of us are starting to look at the label inside our clothes too.
What is it actually made from?
Where did the material come from?
How does it feel against the skin?
How long will it last?
And what happens to it when we no longer need it?
These questions do not always have simple answers. But we think they are worth asking.
At EIR
When we began EIR, it felt natural to start with materials such as organic cotton and wool. We wanted the materials to feel good, work well within the rituals we use them for, and be chosen with intention.
The more we learn, the more curious we become about the materials around us — including what we wear against our skin.
We don't believe there is one perfect material. But we do believe it is worth understanding what we choose.
Maybe more conscious consumption isn't about finding the perfect choice every time.
Maybe it is simply about knowing a little more about the things we choose to bring into our lives.
That's where we're starting.